1)
I was wondering if it is healthy to use mouthwash on a daily basis, forever?

I mean, won't that make the mouth loose its ability to fight bacteria and over-depend on the mouthwash to do its job?
I've always had the impression that the long term use of such things weakens the natural immunity of the organ (the mouth in this case). So, am I right or wrong?

2) I always read that floss should be used at least one daily, preferable before sleep. But don't we hurt our gums when we do so EVERYDAY?
I know flossing should be gentle, and I know sometimes you have to use the floss to get rid of something stuck, but getting something between our teeth daily, is that OK?
30 or 40 years back, people never used floss, and their teeth were not worse that ours.

Using an alcohol-containing mouthwash such as Listerine may increase the likelihood of mouth cancer. In any case daily mouthwash use is not necessary.
Flossing daily using the correct technique will not damage the gums. Get a dentist or hygienist to show you. Floss removes the plaque between the teeth which a toothbrush can't.
30 or 40 years ago there were many more people with no teeth, which may be because fluoride toothpaste was not used then.

The Following User Says Thank You to riptoff For This Useful Post:sjb (02-08-2011)

Hi someone recently thought their tongue had been burnt or at least somehow injured with mouthwash.
If flossing is not done the teeth may develop cavities between the teeth in addition to developing a horrendous smell. After a day or two if a flossing is done it really has an odor compared to if it is done daily and brushed at least daily and rinsed well with a swishing of water around the mouth.

Teeth are very important to take care of because they have a definate impact on health and the ability to eat the harder foods such as apples, nuts and other whole foods.